Leeds United full-back Isaac Schmidt agreed personal terms with Werder Bremen earlier in the window, but would only be sanctioned an exit if a replacement is found, which could well be James Justin.
United have largely had their defensive setup addressed for weeks now ahead of the Premier League commencing this weekend, but more needs to be done to shore up the depth Daniel Farke has in full-back areas.
Jayden Bogle and Gabriel Gudmundsson are more than good enough to start and hold their own in the Premier League, but the backups to both is where question marks emerge, with Sam Byram and Isaac Schmidt the two reserve options at present.
Most Read on LeedsAllOver
James Justin identified as possible Leeds United replacement for Isaac Schmidt
It was recently revealed that Leeds full-back Schmidt had agreed personal terms with Werder Bremen over a loan move to the Bundesliga.
The caveat to Schmidt’s pending exit to Germany is that Farke wants a replacement in the doors before thinking of sanctioning his exit, a year on from joining the club for a fee rising to £4.6million.
(REUTERS/Chris Radburn)
Given Schmidt’s versatility to be able to play on either side of the back four (albeit rarely used at all by Farke), a replacement who can do likewise would be ideal.
The Athletic’s Beren Cross has since reported that United are interested in signing Leicester City full-back James Justin.
Justin, 27, has started the Foxes’ campaign back in the Championship, helping them to a 2-1 win over struggling Sheffield Wednesday at home, while he was absent from the squad that travelled to Huddersfield Town in the EFL Cup during midweek.
The one-cap England international has had a solid career with the Foxes after moving on from Luton Town, amassing 99 Premier League appearances while winning the FA Cup in 2021 too.
James Justin a shrewd potential signing for Leeds United in replacing Isaac Schmidt
When looking at players to replace Schmidt this month, I noted Justin as the standout candidate to come in, given that Leicester probably could do with the funds, Justin will have a desire to play in the top flight again, and his versatility speaks for itself.
Justin would cover Bogle and Gudmundsson very well, is another at the peak of his career at 27, and would be able to hit the ground running with good experience for this side.
We aren’t the only club that need full-back depth going into the start of the season, though, with Everton also surely looking for cover, so Leeds may need to act fast if they want Justin.
Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!